Difference Between Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy As Related Services In Education

One common question asked by parents is what's the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy services offered through schools as a related special education service? Both therapies are related services to special education and are offered only when the child needs treatment to function in the educational setting. Learn further on this affiliated paper - Browse this website: address. The purpose of physical therapist and an occupational therapist would be to facilitate a independent functioning and decrease the ramifications of a disability on his/her power to take part in the tutorial environment and process. The following is an over-all response to the difference between the two.

Physical Therapy (PT ): emphasizes the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for functional mobility about the school environment in addition to the physical potential for participating with peers during education and break. Areas of concentration for the school physical specialist include:

- Gross motor skills: actions that use large muscles

- Mobility skills: going safely throughout the school environment, including entering and leaving the school bus

- Postural get a grip on and stance had a need to perform school activities and for growing freedom in life skills

Occupational therapy (OT ): stresses the acquisition of or compensation for practical performance skills needed by students throughout their academic experience:

- Fine engine skills: little, well coordinated hand movements

- Visual perceptual skills: the ability to understand and interpret what is seen

- Visual motor skills: the capacity to coordinate motor skills and visual skills

- Self treatment skills: eating, dressing, care, and toileting skills for increasing freedom in necessary life skills

Both physical and occupational therapists may address these areas:

- Strength and endurance

- Body attention

- Class room location and changes

- Sensory motor skills necessary for participation in an educational program

Occupational therapists and physical therapists have similar education. Occupational therapists receive more training in hand and verbal skill interventions and physical therapists receive more training postural development and major motor..